Arlington, VA – 01/09/2013 – The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® today applauded the announcement by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski that the FCC will be kicking off a government-wide effort to increase Wi-Fi speeds and alleviate Wi-Fi congestion at major hubs, such as airports, convention centers and large conference gatherings. Chairman Genachowski made the announcement in his one-on-one session with CEA president and CEO Gary Shapiro on the second day of the 2013 International CES, the world’s largest annual innovation event, owned and produced by CEA.

The following quote can be attributed to CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro:

“CEA enthusiastically applauds Chairman Genachowski and the FCC for committing to free up spectrum, expediting ultra high-speed, high-capacity Wi-Fi in support of the U.S. innovation economy. The International CES show floor with more than 3,000 exhibitors illustrates how products increasingly rely on Wi-Fi. We need additional spectrum to provide the services Americans need and want.

“Today’s announcement by the FCC will enable higher data speeds and greater capacity – including improved HD video distribution capability – and will help every consumer with a Wi-Fi-enabled device, whether traveling, attending events like the International CES, or simply connecting to home networks.”